Tonight we are tasting our first ever Greek wines.

Yamas is a Greek word that means “to our health” or “cheers”. (accent on the second syllable)

According to retailers in Des Moines, good Greek wine is hard to find here. According to the “Oxford Companion to Wine” over 85% of Greek wine is consumed in Greece. We were also told that much of the better wine is sent to high-end Greek restaurants in the eastern US.

Tonight, we are enjoying two Greek wines including:

1. NV Merastri Red Wine. Blend of Kotsifali and Mandalaria. 12% Alcohol. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Aromas of plums, leather, and pepper. Flavors of dried red fruit and round tannins. Serve with meat BBQ, sausages, and medium-aged cheeses.
2. NV Merastri White Wine. Vilana, Vidiano, Moschato, and Moschofilero grape blend. 11.5% alcohol. Each variety is separately fermented in stainless steel tanks before blending. It has aromas similar to Muscat with citrus fruits, and tastes of stone fruits with lemon notes. Pair with seafood and white meats.

Next week we have our first Iowa Wine Challenge. We will blind taste an Iowa Petite Amie and a California Chardonnay:

1. 2023 Petite Amie purchased at the winery for $17.76.
2. 2020 Z Alexander Brown Chardonnay purchased for around $19.00.